A coalition of groups, including The Humane Society of the United States, Wildlife Alliance of Maine and Citizens in Charge, is urging the Maine legislature to reject a constitutional amendment that deliberately subverts voter participation in the democratic process.

Gov. Peter Shumlin signed legislation that prohibits the importation and possession of wild pigs and their hybrids into law. House Bill 101, introduced by Rep. David Deen, D-Windham, bans feral pigs from captive hunts – fenced pens where trophy-seekers pay to shoot the trapped animals for guaranteed kills.

New Yorkers concerned about animal welfare converged on the state capitol for Humane Lobby Day to meet with lawmakers and lobby for better animal protection laws designed to strengthen anti-cruelty statues, eliminate the extreme confinement of animals on factory farms and protect sharks from the cruel and unsustainable shark fin trade.

The Humane Society of the United States criticized the Pennsylvania House and Senate Game and Fisheries Committees for passing legislation that would eliminate all oversight for captive hunting operations for feral pigs.

Illinois residents converged on the state capitol for Humane Lobby Day in Illinois on Wednesday to lobby for better animal welfare laws to protect pets and wildlife. Humane Lobby Day is sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States.

Indiana residents converged on the state capitol Tuesday to lobby for better animal welfare laws. Humane Lobby Day is sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).